In this hub, we focus on employment opportunities, but it’s important to highlight volunteering and co-op experiences as important ways for youth with disabilities to build social networks, skills (including soft skills), and the self-confidence necessary for employment.
Youth with disabilities need the same opportunities as their peers to volunteer in not-for-profit organizations. Tips on this website can be useful when interviewing youth who want to volunteer at your non-profit organization.
Co-op opportunities provide all youth with the chance to experience real-world work. For some students, a co-op placement in an industry of their choice can confirm their commitment to pursuing work in the field post-graduation. In other cases, youth can discover areas of work they may never have considered.
In both instances, as an employer of a not-for-profit organization or as an employer interested in hiring students in co-op initiatives, contact your local school district to find out more about how you can include youth with disabilities in your workforce.
